Cornus alternifolia 'Argentea'

Pagoda Dogwood

Cornus alternifolia 'Argentea'

This Cornus alternifolia cultivar remains quite small. Even after ten years it will not have grown larger than a modest 1.5mtrs. Cornus alternifolia 'Argentea' has the same characteristics as the Cornus alternifolia, such as the levels and the darkred color of young twigs in autumn. The 'Argeantea' twigs, however, are of a much finer structure and remarkably thinner. The largest difference from the Cornus alternifolia are the white edged leaves and the young, quickly growing, twigs which have a light pink color to them.This cultivar blossoms less abundantly and the cream white flowers are not as notable within the bright white edged leaves. In autumn, this species colors less than the Cornus alternifolia. The small tree is very suitable for a small garden (rock garden). It can also be used to light up a dark corner in your garden for the duration of the growing season. This effect can be enhanced by lighting it with a small spotlight. The Cornus alternifolia 'Argentea' can be planted in many habitats, although it will develop a looser and open growth in shaded spots.

Cornus alternifolia 'Argentea'

This Cornus can be trimmed, but due to its very slow growth it will not be necessary. An important point for attention is that this cultivar is grafted; therefore it is possible that green twigs emerge from the base of this plant. It is important to remove these twigs at the earliest stage. This is to be done as close as possible to the stem and with a sharp trimming knife. Because the Cornus alternifolia 'Argentea' is reproduced by grafting it will be more expensive than the regular alternifolia.